20th & 21st April
Murder on the Express: The Return Journey with Gavin Hoey
A film noir photography workshop with Gavin Hoey as lighting director, disguised as a deadly game of Cluedo on a vintage railway.
DATE& TIME
20 April 2026 at 10:00 – 21 April 2026 at 17:00
REGION
Leicestershire
GROUP
11
Five things that don't apply to a UK day event.
Fees
or pay in three interest-free via PayPal
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33% deposit secures your place. Two further payments before the event.
*
Lunch & refreshments included for full-day attendees.
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Small group setting for a more focused, hands-on experience.
deposit secures your place
THE WORKSHOP
A film noir photography workshop with Gavin Hoey as lighting director, disguised as a deadly game of Cluedo on a vintage railway.
One murder. Too many suspects. And you, holding a camera like it’s the only weapon you’ve got. Spoiler: it might be.
Murder on the Express: The Return Journey isn’t your typical photography workshop. It’s a sleuth of cinematic shadows, secrets, and sharp suits, set in the haunting echo of a vintage train station.
You’ll be dropped straight into a film noir railway station with flickering lights, cryptic clues, and characters who lie smoother than their pressed lapels. You’ll craft images drenched in noir style with stark contrasts, sharp angles, and smoke-filled rooms strike as you hunt for the murderer among a cast of suspects, each hiding secrets darker than the last. This is style and suspense with a cigarette burn around the edges.
When the smoke clears and all that’s left is the truth—will your photos crack the case, or just capture your final mistake?
YOUR EDUCATOR
Gavin Hoey
Featured tutor · Lighting director
One of the UK's most recognised photography educators, Gavin's YouTube channel reaches a global audience of over half a million photographers. He has been teaching lighting and storytelling for two decades, writing for Amateur Photographer and presenting at The Photography Show.
Gavin directs the lighting plan and works one-to-one with each photographer through every setup. Technical, methodical, and unfailingly generous with his time.
Styled models & sets
Professionally styled models sets for all half-day or full-day sessions with dedicated models on each set.
Lunch & refreshments
A buffet style lunch with the team gives a welcome break for full-day attendees to reset, review pictures, and prepare for the afternoon sessions. Tea, coffee and pastries throughout the day for all guests.
Aftercare & community
A place in our community groups to share images and support fellow photographers in celebrating the best events shots, and stay in touch long after the event.
1-to-1 shooting time
With group sizes of only 3-4 so you will enjoy plenty of dedicated time within your group to shoot 1-to-1 with agency level models on each set. Never a scrum for position - paparazzi style shooting is strictly forbidden.
Direct access to a Lighting Director
To help your build confidence, every event kicks off with a full kit demo covering lighting and camera settings relevant for the event aesthetic. Lighting directors are always on-hand to take questions throughout the day if required.
Full lighting kit
Multi-light rig with a selection of modifiers to help you craft the perfect shots. You bring a camera, we provide the rest.
What's included
Everything except your camera.
Optional · we have these on hand
Tripod
Not required, most setups will be hand-held. Bring one if you prefer.
Reflectors / diffusers
Bring your own if you want to.
Laptop or Tablet
If you want to download and edit on the go!
A notebook and pen
Always a good idea to jot down what works well, and what doesn't.
Essentials
One camera body
Any system; full-frame, APS-C or micro four-thirds, film or digital. All welcome.
Two prime lenses
50mm and 85mm strongly recommended. A fast standard zoom (24-70mm) works too.
Two memory cards
64GB+ each. You'll shoot 400–600 frames.
Spare camera battery
One spare is plenty for the day. If staying for the weekend, don't forget your chargers!
What to bring
A short kit list. That's all.
*****
"The models were styled to an exceptionally high standard and the location was extraordinary, a gilded palace. Every aspect of their events is done to an exceptionally high standard."
Gehenna Photography · Past attendee
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